Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 2966262 2017-05-10
MOSQUITO ATTRACTING DEVICE AND SYSTEM USING THE SAME
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001]
Mosquitoes are a menace in general for their annoying bites and
pose a health threat in that they are responsible for spreading diseases like
malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika fever, etc.
On one hand scientists continue research to find cures for these diseases
and on the other hand research based methods are being applied to contain
and eradicate mosquitoes.
[0002]
The marketplace is flooded with consumer products that promise to
trap and kill mosquitoes.
However, the majority of these products are
generally effective for trapping flying insects, and barely effective in
trapping and killing mosquitoes. Some of the high-end products are partially
effective in trapping and destroying mosquitoes. In fact, it is of utmost
importance to have thorough behavioural knowledge of various species of
mosquitoes in order to invent effective means/devices to trap and destroy
mosquitoes.
[0003]
The annoying biting mosquitoes are females that need human blood
to nourish eggs in their bodies until they are ready to lay the same in
suitable environment. The products available to trap, kill or repel
mosquitoes are targeted for females only. Male mosquitoes are not an annoyance
to humans but are responsible for mating with females and instrumental in
enhancement of their population. Hence methods need to be developed to
attract, trap and kill male mosquitoes. Unlike female mosquitoes the males
are not lured by body heat, CO2 or body odour.
[0004]
Keeping in mind the behaviour of mosquitoes in general and that
of different species of mosquitoes in particular, it is difficult to come up
with a universal trapping device. Some species of female mosquitoes lay their
eggs on water surfaces while others lay eggs on plant leaves. Further, also
considering behaviour of male and female mosquitoes, the triggers used by
each gender to reach their target are very different. Therefore, a common
lure or attractant is very difficult to come up with. On top of it, the
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regional climates, temperatures and humidity levels also influence the
functional aspects of trapping devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a sound emitting device for attracting and trapping male mosquitoes. In one
preferred embodiment, the device is capable of producing a sound in the
frequency range of 200 - 800 Hz with a low level variable acoustic harmonic.
[0006]
In one embodiment, the device has a sound producing system running
on a low power battery source or is solar powered.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a distress cancelling emitter for use in a mosquito trapping device.
The distress cancelling emitter minimizes or eliminates distress signals
given off by trapped mosquitoes from exiting the device.
The distress
cancelling features can include, but are not limited to, sound or smell
neutralizing/dampening technology features.
[0008]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a system for minimizing flying insect populations and infiltration
in an area. The system includes: an apparatus for attracting female gravid
mosquitoes that is capable of trapping the mosquitoes and/or the eggs released
from such mosquitoes; and, a capture device that emits a sound that attracts
male mosquitoes. The apparatus for attracting female gravid mosquitoes can
include multiple mosquito attractant or luring features, whereas both the
apparatus for attracting female gravid mosquitoes and the capture device can
include distress cancelling emitters for minimizing or eliminating distress
signals given off by trapped mosquitoes from exiting either the apparatus or
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009]
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with regard to the following
description and accompanying drawings wherein:
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[0010] FIG. 1 represents a sound emitting device for attracting and
trapping male mosquitoes according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 represents a sound emitting device for attracting and
trapping male mosquitoes according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 represents a sound emitting device for attracting and
trapping male mosquitoes according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0013] FIG. 4 represents a sample layout of a system according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The following description is of an illustrative embodiment by way
of example only and without limitation to the combination of features
necessary for carrying the invention into effect.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a sound emitting device for attracting and trapping male mosquitoes. In one
preferred embodiment, the device is capable of producing a sound in the
frequency range of 200 - 800 Hz with a low level variable acoustic harmonic.
The sound emulates the one produced by female mosquitoes inviting male
mosquitoes for mating.
[0016] The device can be provided in a number of configurations, such as
one that is hardwired or plugged, directly or indirectly (i.e. through an
extension cord) into an electrical receptacle. Another possible embodiment
is one that is a standalone unit that can be powered by battery or solar
power.
[0017] Compact wall mount mosquito trap:
[0018] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the device can be directly
connected into an outdoor receptacle The device has a sound source (1), a
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suction/chopping fan (2), a window as suction funnel (3) and a removable
perforated tray (4) to collect killed mosquitoes.
[0019]
In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the device can be hung,
placed on a stand or pillar mounted. The device has a sound source (11),
suction fan (12), a suction window (13) and a mosquito collection basket
(14). In this embodiment, the device can be provided with an extension cord
connected to an outdoor receptacle or with an AC to DC adaptor.
[0020]
In a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the device can be run
on low power and is ideal for application at remote areas where
hydroelectricity is scarce. The device can have sound source (21), funnel
opening (22) and trap box (23). The unit can be battery powered or solar
powered.
[0021]
The mosquitoes attracted and trapped for destruction by any of
the described methods might not die instantly. Thus, these dying mosquitoes
send out (audio/odor) distress/danger signals to their community about
impending danger. Therefore, the luring/trapping device loses efficiency over
a period. It is thus necessary to mitigate or neutralize these signals either
by sound neutralizing/dampening technology, smell dampening/neutralizing or
other suitable method.
[0022]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a distress cancelling emitter for use in a mosquito trapping device.
The distress cancelling emitter minimizes or eliminates distress signals
given off by trapped mosquitoes from exiting the device.
The distress
cancelling features can include, but are not limited to, sound or smell
neutralizing/dampening technology features.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a system for minimizing flying insect populations and infiltration
in an area. The system includes: an apparatus for attracting female gravid
mosquitoes that is capable of trapping the mosquitoes and/or the eggs released
from such mosquitoes; and, a capture device that emits a sound that attracts
male mosquitoes. The apparatus for attracting female gravid mosquitoes can
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include multiple mosquito attractant or luring features, whereas both the
apparatus for attracting female gravid mosquitoes and the capture device can
include distress cancelling emitters for minimizing or eliminating distress
signals given off by trapped mosquitoes from exiting either the apparatus or
device.
[0024]
The system described herein provides an environment for trapping
and destroying mosquitoes, or other flying insects, in a unit area (backyard
for example). This will be achieved using an appropriate combination of
trapping devices placed at strategic locations in the backyard.
FIG. 4
depicts one exemplary layout of the system.
[0025]
The apparatus used in the system provides a suitable environment
for different species of female mosquitoes to lay eggs. The mosquitoes with
eggs or eggs alone are trapped in the apparatus and destroyed.
[0026]
The capture device used in the system emits a sound that attracts
male mosquitoes. These sounds match the frequency of female mosquitoes. Male
mosquitoes are attracted thinking there are female mosquitoes wanting to
mate. The device then zaps/traps the attracted male mosquitoes. The device
can also include the distress cancelling emitter described above.
[0027]
The system can also include multiple apparatuses or devices as
described above to cover a larger area. Moreover, the apparatus can include
multiple mosquito attractant or luring features, such as heat or 002, which
are present in many mosquito magnets/zappers.
[0028]
FIG. 4 shows an exemplary layout plan of a backyard of a house as
an example. A similar pattern can be used proportionally for bigger or smaller
areas.
1. an apparatus for attracting female gravid mosquitoes that is capable
of trapping the mosquitoes and/or the eggs released from such
mosquitoes is placed in the middle of backyard.
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2. a capture device that emits a sound that attracts male mosquitoes is
connected to an electrical receptacle box outside of the house to
attract male mosquitoes from left or front or from garage side.
3. optionally, a wireless capture device or Sound Cone Trap is placed at
the far end of the backyard.
4. optionally, an additional apparatus for attracting female gravid
mosquitoes that is capable of trapping the mosquitoes and/or the eggs
released from such mosquitoes is placed on the deck away from the area
inhabited by humans.
[0029] The system works on the premise that there are three categories
of mosquitoes in the backyard space.
[0030] (a) Female Mosquitoes ready to lay eggs.
[0031] (b) Female Mosquitoes looking for blood meal to nourish eggs.
[0032] (c) Male mosquitoes.
[0033] Now, category (a) mosquitoes find a suitable environment in the
apparatus to lay eggs whereas category (b) mosquitoes, in search of human
blood, detect attractant from the apparatus or any other device capable of
the same functionality. The mosquito flies towards these apparatuses where
they get eradicated. In the meantime, category (c) mosquitoes are being
attracted by female sound produced by the device where they get zapped. The
male mosquitoes are also attracted by female sound produced by the additional
wireless device at the far end of the backyard where they become trapped in
the device and are ultimately killed. In the trapping devices, the installed
distress cancelling emitter combats the distress signals of trapped
mosquitoes; therefore, more mosquitoes are eradicated.
[0034] The consequences of the process are that
1. The eggs laid by different species of female mosquitoes are trapped
and destroyed; therefore, no new mosquitoes expected in the cluster.
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2. The male mosquitoes are killed, so less 'mating' and hence less
mosquito eggs.
3. With the repetition of the above processes the mosquito population
keeps on reducing and over a passage of time there is drastic cut in
mosquito population.
[0035] Mosquitoes that enter from neighbours or adjacent yards get
attracted to attractants from the devices and killed ultimately.
[0036] It will be understood that numerous modifications thereto will
appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description and
accompanying drawings should be taken as illustrative of the invention and
not in a limiting sense. It will further be understood that it is intended
to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in
general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from
the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the
art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential
features herein set forth, and as follows in the scope of the appended claims.
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